Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1887-05-12
.rbey imagine some things, supposeT

-rbey imagine some things, supposeT
sThat depends a good deal on what latitude
they come from, fancy"
We talked five OF ten minutes upon insig-
nifcant themes, Mr.. Davis converting with
reutle and courteous interest He reminded
me once that he was slightly deaf. He re-
called an anecdote of Sheridan the Irish wit
and statesman, not the Federal generaD III
connection with the unfortunate predicament
of Judge Fenner, of the supreme court Of
Louisiana, upon the interruption OF his adj
dress at the unwilling of the Lee monument
in New Orleans two years ago by the terrific
storm, which stopped the ceremonies ana dis
persed the immense crowd. 1t was suggested
that the address be postponed till next day.
impossible" replied Judge Fenner; lit has
been in print for hours" 1t was delivered
that night to few of the faithful and read
next morning by the multitude.
Mr.. Davis expressed regret at his inability
to make improvements at Beauvoir, but
seemed to sensitively avoid the subject Of his
accession to that property through the tesla
mentary bequest of Mrs. Dorsey, though !
believe there were such connections between
the families of Mr.. Davis and that lady as to
make that bequest as much business of
blood as OF DeneldCtiOtI AU 0lly 4oU0 VHoIO
is small precedent among American public
men of recent days for such feeling
But it was not alone in this that observed
disposition to sensitiveness in Mr.. Davis.
He is the first public man ever saw who ex-
hibited any conscious embarrassment in
avoiding topics which they had rather not
discuss with Representatives Of the press.
They all seem prompt and unruffied in such
avoidance, but though Mr.. Davis showed tact
enough in this direction in the words with
which he steered clear of all sectional, politi-
cal or personal expressions, and though am
quite sure that was not impertinently insist
ent, yet upon more than one such occasion,
even in our short interview, saw his aged
face flush, and once he even dropped his head
and passed his hand across his brow in un.
mistakable evidence Of embarrassment, II not
pain.
Can it be that this old soldier and states
man, whose strong manhood was passed in
the very forefront of the great events of his
time, and upon whose devoted head has fallen
the almost single individual obloquy Of dis
astrous war and great political failure has
grown weary and sick at heart in his un-
paralleled isolation from the business Of his
country, Notwithstanding the comforting and
implying sympathy Of his own section and de-
feated comrades, and, faltering in the mag
nificent struggle lie has made for the main
tenance of his splendid dignity, finds pain in
continuing that struggle with the thousand
tongues of Misrepresentation and abuse and
seeks peace in silence with his unbroken spirit
and the society of his friends.
Doubtless he would himself resent such a
suggestion, but such was the impression re-
ceived.
felt relieved Of the fear entertained of
having given him undue annoyance by my
questioning when he again rose to his full
height to bid me farewell with cordial shake
of the band and message to a common
friend, which assured me of bis friendliness
FOR myself.
On tile day saw him he had declined to
attend the Calhoun monument ceremonies in
Charleston, but he expressed the hope of be-
'ng able to attend those of the Lee monu-
'nent in Richmond though in doubt as to
whether his strength would permit the under
taking.
In speaking Of his daughters visit to the
north, his single comment--"Young people
,lways enjoy trip among their fliends"-
illustrates his careful avoidance in this purely
PERSONAL matter, as in all the conversation. of
sectional reference.
The portrait which accompanies this has b
own commentator. d. NJ. VANCE.